Dual-purpose Goats Research Articles

Milk production and quality patterns of double-purpose goats grazing in arid rangelands.

Lactation curves are a valuable tool for improving flock production efficiency, adjusting flock sizes, and improving farmers' income in grazing-based livestock production. Therefore, we used natural cubic splines to estimate (a) a general flock production pattern throughout a year, (b) an average lactation curve, and (c) patterns of milk chemical components in dual-purpose goats grazing in arid plant communities in the Sierra de San Francisco, Baja California Peninsula, during years of abundant precipitation. Also, milk chemical composition was compared between flocks. Annual flock milk production showed a wiggly pattern with two greater waves in summer and spring. The average individual lactation curve (kg/doe/day) and production curves of fat, protein, lactose, and ashes (g/doe/day) showed a decreasing and wiggly pattern across 35-week lactation; the greatest average daily production was in week 2. Milk, protein, lactose, and ash production curves had similar persistency values that were greater than those of the fat production curve. Milk production had a high-positive correlation with fat production and very high-positive correlations with protein, lactose, and ash production. Density (g/ml) and fat, protein, lactose, and ash contents (%) showed a ditch-shaped pattern across lactation, with greater values at the end. Goat flocks grazing across plant communities produced different quality milk. Thus, native plant communities are a valuable resource that favors a great fat content and moderate protein content in local goat milk. Also, breeding programs must pay attention that an increment in individual milk production could decrease fat and protein production, which are valuable for cheesemaking.

Estimation of co (variance) components and genetic parameters for growth and feed efficiency traits in Jamunapari goat

Abstract Jamunapari goat is majestic dual purpose goat adapted to semi-arid climate in India. The aim of the present study was to assess the genetic potential of Jamunapari goat and design breeding program based on growth and feed efficiency traits. A total of 8763 animals descended from 1845 dams and 339 sires between 1982–2019 (37 years) at ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom were used for the analysis. The effect of period and season of kidding, sex, type of birth and weight of doe at kidding was significant on live weights, average daily gains (ADG) and Kleiber ratio (KR). The estimates of genetic parameters were obtained for these traits by univariate and bivariate animal models using the average information restricted maximum likelihood (AIREML). Average inbreeding coefficient for the pedigree (N = 9418) was 0.83 % and amongst inbred animals (N = 3751), it was 2.045 %, indicating that the scientific mating could keep the inbreeding within normal limits in a nucleus flock. Genetic analysis revealed that the inclusive model for direct effect of animal and dam and their covariance and permanent environment of dam was best for birth weight (BW), however the model with direct effects of animal and dam along with their covariance was best for all other traits. Early growth traits were having significant maternal effect that faded as the age advanced. Correcting for maternal effects was essential to obtain unbiased estimated of heritability using univariate analysis. Moderate estimates of the heritability (h2) were obtained using multivariate analysis. The estimates were 0.17 ± 0.02, 0.19 ± 0.01, 0.20 ± 0.02, 0.16 ± 0.02, 0.17 ± 0.02, 0.20 ± 0.02, 0.14 ± 0.02, 0.13 ± 0.02, 0.22 ± 0.02, 0.14 ± 0.02 and 0.18 ± 0.02 for birth weight (BW), three month weight (3 MW), six month weight (6 MW), nine month weight (9 MW), twelve month weight (12 MW), ADG1 (birth to 3-month), ADG2 (three to six month), ADG3 (six to 12-month), KR1 (ADG1/3 MW0.75), KR2 (ADG2/6 MW0.75) and KR3 (ADG3/12 MW0.75), respectively. Results for multivariate analysis were similar but little better as compared to estimates from univariate analysis, provided we accounted for maternal effect appropriately. Moderate h2 estimates augurs the scope for selection of Jamunapari goats for growth and feed efficiency traits. The high and positive genetic and phenotypic correlations between post-weaning weights indicate that early selection of Jamunapari goat by reducing age at selection from 9-month to 6-month is possible owing to lower GxE and higher chances of retaining ranks by animals in adulthood. ADG and their corresponding KR have high genetic correlations and thus kids can be indirectly selected for higher feed efficiency. The selection index combining live weight at 6-month and post-weaning KR will be useful for early selection of Jamunapari goat.

Phenotypic characterization of local Peranakan Etawa goat reared in Polman regency, West Sulawesi

Goats are one of the mainstay commodities for farmers in rural areas, especially in several development centers in the West Sulawesi region, Indonesia. Generally the local goats that are kept are Kacang goats which are the type of meat production, but since the introduction of the Etawa breed most of the goat population that is currently being kept is from the Peranakan Etawa (PE) goat which is a cross between Kacang and Etawa goats which later develop into dual-purpose goats (meat and milk). The purpose of this study was to characterize the phenotypic (qualitative and quantitative) properties of Peranakan Etawa (PE) goats which were maintained by communities in the West Sulawesi region, Indonesia. This study used a survey method by identifying the qualitative and quantitative performance of the PE goat population. Characterization activities carried out were to identify the performance criteria of qualitative traits which included the characteristics of coat color, horn and ear shape and quantitative properties such as body weight, height, body length and chest circumference and chest width. A total of 113 goats (111 females and 2 male Peranakan Etawa breeds) were selected to be used as samples from the existing goat population. Peranakan Etawa breeding performance based on morphometric data included the characteristics of shoulder height (67.98 ± 5.61 cm), back height (71.34 ± 5.73 cm), body length (71.70 ± 6.46 cm), chest circumference (72.19 ± 6.46 cm), chest width (15.41 ± 1.86 cm) and body weight (33.04 ± 6.09 kg). The qualitative and quantitative performance of Etawa breeds in West Sulawesi is very diverse and need genetic improvement to meet Indonesia National Quality Standards (SNI).

In dual-purpose subtropical goats, 1 h of extra-light given from 16 to 17 h after dawn (pulse of light) in winter stimulates milk yield.

This research communication addresses the hypothesis that in dual-purpose goats, exposure to 1 h of extra-light given from 16 to 17 h after dawn (pulse of light) in winter stimulates milk yield. One group of goats was maintained under natural short photoperiod (natural day; ND (n = 7)). Another group of lactating females was submitted to an artificial long-day photoperiod consisting of 16 h light and 8 h darkness (long days; LD (n = 7)). A third group of females received one single hour of extra-light 16 h after the fixed dawn (pulse of light; PL (n = 6)). Goats from LD and PL yielded 30% more milk than goats from ND. Mean percentages of fat, protein and lactose contents in milk did not differ between the 3 groups at any stage of lactation, but these components in grams/day were higher in goats from PL than in the others two groups within the first 45 d of lactation. In conclusion, dual-purpose lactating goats that started their lactation during natural short days, the daily exposition to a 1-h pulse of light is sufficient to stimulate milk yield compared to females maintained under natural short photoperiod.

Analisis Keterkaitan GEN BMP15, BMPR1B, dan KISS1 dengan Sifat Fekunditas pada Kambing Peranakan Etawah Betina

Etawah grade goat is a result of grading up line between Kacang and Etawah goats, which well adapted to Indonesia’s humid tropical climate. This goat is a dual-purpose goat breed for milk and meat production. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the polymorphism of fecundity genes through the investigation of four candidate genes for prolificacy, i.e., BMP15 (exon 1), BMPR1B (exon 1), KISS1 (exon 1), and KISS1 (intron 1) and their associations with the litter size of Etawah-Grade does. The diversity of BMP15 (exon 1), BMPR1B (exon 1), KISS1 (exon 1), and KISS 1 (introns 1) genes were analyzed by the PCR-RFLP technique. A total of 106 of DNA samples were collected from Etawah-Grade does at BPTU-HPT Pelaihari in Pelaihari, South Kalimantan (51 heads) and Cordero Farm in Bogor, West Java (55 heads). Genetic polymorphisms between the two Etawah-Grade groups were calculated as well as their allele and genotype frequencies and the Polymorphic Informative Content (PIC). The Kruskal-Wallis one-factor ranked analysis of variance was used to determine whether there was any effect of genotype of the fecundity genes on litter size. The polymorphic information content (PIC) estimated at BPTU-HPT Pelaihari was 0.313, whereas at Cordero farm was 0.174, and overall PIC was 0.244. There was no association between genotypes of BMP15 (exon 1), BMPR1B (exon 1), KISS1 (exon 1), and KISS1 (intron 1) genes and litter size. Results indicated that BMP15 (exon 1) and KISS1 (exon 1) genes were monomorphic. However, the other two loci showed polymorphisms . The BMPR1B (exon 1) locus had two genotypes with the frequency for CC (96.23%) and for GG (3.77%), and KISS1 (intron 1) locus had three genotypes with the frequency for TT (80.19%), AT (17.92%), and AA (1.89%).

Association Study of Fecundity Gene BMPR1B with Prolificacy in Surti Goats under Farm and Field Condition

The Surti is a dual purpose goat breed of Gujarat. The bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1B (BMPR1B) gene of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily ligands is playing a role in ovulation as well as litter size. Mutation in Exon-6 region of BMPR1B gene with base size 190 bp reported increasing litter size. Based on the known mutation information in goat and sheep, PCR primers were designed to screen polymorphism in total 100 Surti goats, 50 Surti goats from University Farm, Navsari and 50 Surti goats from field units of Southern part of Gujarat. During PCR-RFLP study no polymorphic sites were found for Exon-6 region of BMPR1B on Surti goats. Moreover, the twinning rate was 10% in first parity and higher in subsequent second (62.5%) and third (76.8%) parties.

Performance Evaluation of Barbari Goats in Semi-Arid Region of India: A Review

Barbari goat, a medium sized dual purpose goat breed in India, is known for its good lactation performance, high prolificacy, early maturity, low kidding interval, high kidding rate and better growth rate. The average weights of kids at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 month of age were 1.66±0.47, 5.88±0.41, 9.36±0.17, 12.85±0.25 and 16.08±0.35 kg, respectively. The average pre-weaning (0–3 months) daily weight gain was 59.9 g while post weaning (3–12 months) gain was 43.4 g. The feed conversion efficiency of this breed was 8.27±0.40% and is reported to vary from 6 to 10%. The average lactation milk yield at 90 and 140 days of lactation was 49.59±3.71 and 67.56±7.60 l, respectively with an average lactation length of 143.19 days. Regarding reproductive performance, the age of first mating and first kidding for this breed is reported as 12–14 and 17–19 months, respectively. The single, twin and triplet kidding varied from 50.6 to 59.0%, 32.3 to 39.8% and 5.59 to 10.67%, respectively. The average slaughter weight (kg), carcass weight (kg) and dressing (%) of adult animal of this breed was 25.57±1.73, 11.54±0.85 and 45.11±1.61 respectively. As the population of the breed in its home tract is declining over the years, so, there is a need for conservation of this breed. The central institute for research on goats (CIRG), Makhdoom, Uttar Pradesh, India has initiated to conserve this breed in its home tract. Keywords : Barbari goat, growth performance, milk yield, carcass evaluation, India Cite this Article Ajoy Mandal, Behera R, Rai S et al. Performance Evaluation of Barbari Goats in Semi-Arid Region of India: A Review. Research & Reviews: Journal of Dairy Science and Technology . 2016; 5(2): 25–29p.

Article Tools Print this article Indexing metadata How to cite item Email this article Email the author About The Authors Tri Eko Susilorini Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, University of Brawijaya Indonesia Kuswati Kuswati Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, University of Brawijaya Indonesia Sucik Maylinda Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, University

Although Etawah Crossbred (PE) goat is considered to be dual purpose (meat and milk) goat, it is mainly raised for meat production. Since early 1990, there has been a growing interest of the farmer in some places to raise PE goat for milk production without sacrificing its role to produce kids for meat. Although milk yield of PE goat was not as high as milk yield of some other dairy goats, the ability of PE goat to cope with harsh local environment, particularly climate and feed conditions, was an advantage. Therefore, raising PE goat would still be an important part of farmer activities in the rural areas in Indonesia. Identification of the genes underlying livestock production traits leads to more efficient breeding programs and it is a promising way to improve production traits of farm animals. Growth hormone is a polypeptide hormone which is the major regulator of the metabolic procedures of growth and development and it is encoded by GH gene. The objective of this study was to detect the genetic polymorphism of GH gene in major Etawah Crossbred (PE) goat using PCR-RFLP. The PCR amplified fragment were digested with Hae III endonuclease and the result showed the presence of two genotype CC and CD. The total frequency were 47.0% and 53.0% for CC and CD genotype respectively in 94 tested goats. Statistical analysis showed that in the fragment amplified by the pair of primer, CD genotype had significant higher birth weight and weight of 100 days old (weaning weight) than CC genotype (P<0.01). In conclusion that GH gene may be a mayor gene or linked to the mayor gene to affect the weight traits and the polymorphic site could be used to select the goat weight in marker-assisted selection program.

Influence of farming system and production purpose on the morphostructure of Spanish goat breeds

The aim of this study was to examine the possible influence of farming systems, based on the morphostructure of 1,571 female goats drawn from 40 flocks containing seven Spanish breeds (Blanca Andaluza, Blanca Celtiberica, Negra Serrana, Pirenaica, Payoya, Murciano-Granadina and Malagueña) raised under four different farming systems. Analysis of morphometric variables showed that the morphostructure of native Spanish goat breeds was linked to the farming system used and thus to the production purpose. The morphostructure of grazing breeds may be more influenced by natural selection within the physical environment and less by human selection. That of stall-fed breeds, by contrast, reflects intense artificial selection aimed at achieving a highly-productive dairy type. For this reason, morphological evaluation systems used in breeding programmes for meat or dual-purpose goat breeds farmed extensively or semi-extensively should be specific, and should reflect the influence of the environment in which these goats are farmed.

Genetic diversity analysis of Sangamneri goat

Sangamneri, one of the important dual-purpose goat breed of Maharashtra existing in the villages of Nasik, Ahmednagar and Pune district was investigated genetically utilizing 25 microsatellite markers. The observed number of alleles varied from 8 (ILSTS 002, ILSTS 065) to 32 (ILSTS 008) with an overall mean of 16.800±1.109. The effective number of alleles ranged from 3.663 (ILSTS 065) to 19.208 (ILSTS 008) with a mean of 10.751±0.808. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 (ILSTS 002) to 1.000 (ILSTS 033, ILSTS 058) with an average of 0.732±0.059, whereas the expected heterozygosity varied from 0.735 (ILSTS 065) to 0.958 (ILSTS 008) with an overall mean of 0.900±0.011. All of the studied loci showed the polymorphic information content (PIC) value greater than 0.5 with an average value of 0.881±0.012, these high values of PIC indicated higher polymorphism in the breed. The values Shannon’s information index ranged from 1.648 (ILSTS065) to 3.204 (ILSTS008) with an average of 2.487±0.076. Heterozygosity deficiency (positive Fis value) was observed in 18 out of 25 studied loci indicating departures from random mating. The mode shift analysis generated L–shaped distribution curve indicating that the population has not undergone any bottleneck in the recent past.

Genetic improvement of the Kenya Dual Purpose Goat: Influence of economic values and prospects for a practical breeding programme

AbstractThis study determined the influence of economic values on genetic gain and explored the prospects for a practical breeding programme for the Kenya Dual Purpose Goat. The economic values for production traits (live weight (direct), live eight (maternal), milk yield and consumable meat) and functional traits (doe weight, number of kids weaned, kidding frequency and rate, doe weaning and survival rate, pre‐ and post‐weaning survival rate, and residual feed intake for yearlings and does) in the breeding goal addressed the smallholder production system. There was a potential for genetic progress in the breeding‐goal traits even by using simple selection criteria. In the breeding programme, the predicted genetic gains per year for milk yield were 0.737 and 0.047 kg for the sires of sires and dams of dams pathways, respectively. The required population size of 2500 does in the nucleus would be attained within ten years after the start of the breeding programme. The availability of a simple breeding programme for the Kenya Dual Purpose Goat offers enormous opportunities for private large‐scale flocks or for flocks owned by parastatal or research organisations to exploit genetic and economic benefits from the breeding programme. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd

Breeding goals for the Kenya Dual Purpose goat. I. Model development and application to smallholder production systems

A deterministic model was developed and applied to evaluate biological and economic variables that characterize smallholder production systems utilizing the Kenya Dual Purpose goat (KDPG) in Kenya. The systems were defined as: smallholder low-potential (SLP), smallholder medium-potential (SMP) and smallholder high-potential (SHP). The model was able to predict revenues and costs to the system. Revenues were from sale of milk, surplus yearlings and cull-forage animals, while costs included those incurred for feeds, husbandry, marketing and fixed asset (fixed costs). Of the total outputs, revenue from meat and milk accounted for about 55% and 45%, respectively, in SMP and 39% and 61% in SHP. Total costs comprised mainly variable costs (98%), with husbandry costs being the highest in both SMP and SLP. The total profit per doe per year was KSh 315.48 in SMP, KSh -1352.75 in SLP and KSh -80.22 in SHP. Results suggest that the utilization of the KDPG goat in Kenya is more profitable in the smallholder medium-potential production system. The implication for the application of the model to smallholder production systems in Kenya is discussed.

Breeding goals for the Kenya Dual Purpose goat. II. Estimation of economic values for production and functional traits

Economic values for production traits (milk yield, MY, kg; 12-month sale weight, LW, kg; consumable meat percentage, CMP) and functional traits (doe live weight, DoWT, kg; number of kids weaned, NKW; kidding frequency, KF; kidding rate, KR, %; doe weaning rate, DoWR, %; doe survival rate, DoSR, %; post-weaning survival rate, PoSR, %; pre-weaning survival rate, PrSR, % and; residual feed intake of yearlings, RFIgamma, kg and does RFId, kg) were estimated for the Kenya Dual Purpose goat (KDPG) for systems under two bases of evaluation. The production systems included smallholder low-potential (SLP), smallholder medium-potential (SMP) and smallholder high-potential (SHP), while the bases of evaluation considered were fixed flock-size and fixed feed resource. Under both bases of evaluation, economic values were highest in SMP apart from the economic values for feed intake-related traits (RFIy and RFId). In SMP, the economic values under fixed flock-size scenario were KSh 71.61 (LW), 20.90 (MY), 45.20 (CMP), 13.68 (NKW), 3.61 (KF), 6.52 (KR), 12.39 (DoWR), 22.96 (DoSR), 22.87 (PoSR), 13.18 (PrSR), -2.76 (RFIy) and -3.00 (RFId). The corresponding economic values under fixed feed resources scenario were KSh 73.28, 29.39, 45.20, 16.91, 4.76, 9.45, 13.84, 25.67, 25.15, 16.19, -2.76 and -3.00. Generally in all production systems, economic values for most traits were higher under fixed feed resource than under fixed flock-size scenario. In all systems, the economic values for most of the traits were sensitive to changes in prices of feed, milk and meat. The positive economic values for most traits under fixed flock-size scenario and fixed feed resource indicates that a unit increase in genetic merit for the traits would have a positive effect on the profitability of the systems.

Goat place in the sustainable agriculture: Compare some growth traits of meat type and dual-purpose type goats in Hungary

Raising goats can be a valuable part of a sustainable farm. Goats convert plant material that is unsuitable for other ruminants (sheep, cattle) and human consumption into high-quality animal products. Integrating goats into a farm system can increase its economic and environmental health and diversity, thereby making important contributions to the farm’s sustainability. The higher weight gain ability and good kid performance at slaughter can be achieved with Boer goats. The highest weaned kids/does rate in Boer goat are shown greater number of weaned offsprings. It means that is in unity area have biggest number of Boer goats than HN goats. It seems the goat keeping and using are well fit in the sustainable agriculture. Goats are suitable controll weedy areas and produce different foods (meat, cheese and yogurt) by low-input for humans.

Evaluation of the performance of the Kenya Dual Purpose Goat composites: Additive and non-additive genetic parameters

Growth data from 6800 progeny of straightbreds, intermediate crosses and the resulting Kenya Dual Purpose Goat (KDPG) composites from 1982 to 2004 were used to estimate additive and non-additive genetic parameters. The KDPG was developed by crossing Toggenburg (T), Anglo-Nubian (N), Small East African (E) and Galla (G) breeds in equal proportions. All parameters were simultaneously estimated for early growth traits by fitting an animal model using Derivative-Free-Restricted Maximum Likelihood (DFREML) procedures (Meyer, 1998). The model included sex, type of birth, period and season of birth, and age of dam classes as fixed effects; crossbreeding parameters were fitted as covariates. Relative to Small East African breed, Anglo-Nubian showed the highest breed effects for weaning weight (+1.69 kg), yearling weight (+1.74 kg) and pre-weaning average daily gains (+13.28 g/day). Between the indigenous breeds, breed differences were in favour of Galla breed except for yearling weight. Individual heterosis had a positive effect on birth weight (+0.05 kg), yearling weight (+0.36 kg) and post-weaning average daily gains (+3.04 g/day) but negative in pre-weaning traits. Maternal heterosis was favourable in the traits influenced by pre-weaning maternal environment (weaning weight and pre-weaning average daily gains). The effect of recombination was negative and, therefore, reduced performance in all traits. Heritability estimates were low with very narrow range between traits. These estimates were 0.13 ± 0.03, 0.16 ± 0.01 0.16 ± 0.04, 0.24 ± 0.01 and 0.10 ± 0.02 for birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, pre-weaning and post-weaning average daily gains, respectively. The study shows that the developed KDPG composites have not optimized on the positive dominance effects; an effect due to retained recombination loss caused by lack of selection during breed development. It was concluded therefore, that the KDPG composites are still segregating and have not stabilized into a new breed as was the aim of the breeding programme.

Potential mineral deficiencies on arid rangelands for small ruminants with special reference to Mexico

The production of milk from goats managed under extensive range grazing conditions can be affected in quantity and quality by the nutrient and especially by the mineral content of the forages on the rangeland, which in turn reflects soil and precipitation conditions. Mexico with its large dairy dual-purpose goat population and vast expanses of arid rangelands is a good model for many other countries with similar conditions. In several studies on the semiarid rangeland of northeastern Mexico the voluntary selection of brush browse, forbs and grasses by goats, and in comparison by sheep and deer was determined from observations, collections, samples from esophageally fistulated goats and sheep, and microhistological analyses of deer feces monthly for several years. The area had low annual rain precipitation often less than 400 mm and dry season from November to July. Blackbrush ( Acacia sp.), Mesquite ( Prosopis sp.), Palo verde ( Cercidium macrum), Jujube ( Ziziphus sp.), Hackberry ( Celtis sp.), Pricklypear ( Opuntia sp.), Cenizo ( Leucophyllum sp.), Soapbrush ( Porlieria sp.) were dominant brush species. Goats selected 81 ± 1.4% brush browse, 12 ± 1.2% forbs, and 7 ± 1.0% grasses throughout the year for their diet, while the botanical composition of the rangeland was 41% brush, 19% forbs, and 40% grasses. Goats preferred Acacia, Cercidium, Porlieria, and Celtis. Significant undersupplies of Mg, Cu, Mn, and Zn in the naturally selected diets of goats in relation to requirements in most months was determined. Contrary to the behavior of goats, sheep selected 95–63% grasses, 1–36% browse, and 0.1–2.2% forbs in different months of the year. Sheep had deficient diets in Ca, Mg, K, Cu, and Mn during several months. Deer appeared to select like goats 94% browse, 5% forbs, and 1% grasses. Deer had deficient diets apparently only in Zn during the 6 months of summer and autumn. Several brush browse and grass species with relatively high mineral contents during some seasons were identified as possibly helpful to alleviate mineral deficiencies, such as Hackberry ( Celtis sp.), Soapbrush ( Porlieria sp.), Jujube ( Ziziphus sp.), Desmanthus sp., Cenizo ( Leucophyllum sp.), and Huisache ( Acacia sp.) brush; Hall's Panicum ( Panicum sp.), and Buffelgrass ( Cenchrus sp.).

Comparison of Indigenous Browses and Sunflower Seed Cake Supplementation on Intake and Growth Performance of Dual-purpose Goats Fed Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) Hay

A study to compare the effects of supplementing Delonix elata, Grewia similis, Tamarindus indica and sunflower seed cake on intake and growth rate of dual-purpose goats fed low quality Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) hay was carried out. Twenty-eight male goats aged five to seven months (mean weight 12.93±3.94 kg) were randomly allocated to four dietary groups in a completely randomised design. The diets were hay plus Grewia similis, hay plus Delonix elata, hay plus Tamarindus indica and hay plus sunflower seed cake. All diets were supplemented with maize bran. The experimental period was 90 days. Voluntary dry matter intake of the supplements was higher for Tamarindus indica (275.5 g/day) and Grewia similis (201.8 g/day) and lowest for sunflower seed cake (81 g/day). Goats supplemented with Grewia similis had the highest hay intake (183.8 g/day) while those supplemented with sunflower seed cake had the lowest hay intake (98.9 g/day). Animals fed browse supplements gained significantly more weight (p<0.001) than those with sunflower seed cake. There were no significant differences in live weight change between goats fed the different browses. However, those fed Tamarindus indica gained an average of 20.79 g/d which was slightly higher than the gains for those on Grewia similis and Delonix elata while those fed sunflower seed cake lost weight. Correspondingly, goats supplemented with browse leaf meals had higher feed conversion ratios than those supplemented with sunflower seed cake and required 23.91 to 35.06 g DM of feed to produce one g of weight gain per day. In a separate study, the DM disappearance pattern indicated that Grewia similis and Delonix elata were highly degradable compared to Tamarindus indica. At 24 h of incubation, DM degradability was 627, 588 and 345 g/kg DM for Grewia similis, Delonix elata and Tamarindus indica, respectively. In another study in vivo DM digestibility ranged from 46.1% (for hay alone) to 56.2% (for hay plus Grewia similis). It was concluded that the addition of Tamarindus indica, Grewia similis and Delonix elata leaf meals to Cenchrus ciliaris hay resulted in increased total DM intake, in vivo digestibility and growth rate. Therefore, leaf meals of indigenous browses particularly Tamarindus indica and Grewia similis could be used as supplementary feeds for small ruminants grazing on poor quality roughages during the dry season rather than use of expensive, less effective and intermittently available sunflower seed cake. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2005. Vol 18, No. 7 : 966-972)

The role of Kenya dual purpose goats in drought recovery and food security in marginal areas of Kenya

As a drought-preparedness strategy, a community was provided with dual purpose goats for milk production and crossbreeding with the local small East African goats. Over 2 years, more than 400 Kenya dual purpose goat crosses were produced and their performance was significantly superior to the indigenous parents. Copyright © 2005 Whurr Publishers Ltd.

Situation, changes and future of goat industry around the world

Goats are considered to be very important for their contribution to the development of rural zones and people. In a fast changing world, this statement has to be confirmed by considering how the organisation of the goat industry can support sustainable development. The situation of each goat production (milk, meat, fibre and skin) was analysed and compared. Each economic factor and its role in the processes of production, transformation, and marketing were analysed by taking into account the present situation and prospects of markets. From this approach, the organisation of a goat milk sector appears to be very dependent on the existing competitive situation with the cow milk sector, since goat milk is generally still not widely sold but consumed locally. The sensory specificity of goat milk for cheese making has very different impacts depending on the taste of consumers in different countries. The dietary properties of goat milk are still discussed, and seem to have a positive effect on increasing the global demand. The fibre sectors are clearly global markets world-wide and a few buyers control a speculative and cyclic market, where many sellers are often disorganised small-scale farmers. Most of goat meat is consumed directly by the producer or locally, and only about 0.5% of the goat meat is officially traded internationally. World trade has risen quickly over the past decade with fast growing prices. The Mediterranean area is the main goat milk and goat cheese producer (18%) outside of India (22%), which has the greatest goat milk volume of all countries, but keeps mainly only dual purpose goats (meat and milk). Australia is the most important (60%) world goat meat exporting country, South Africa the major (50%) Mohair producer, and China the principal (65%) cashmere exporter. As the goat industry becomes step by step a truly significant economical sector, its real advantages cannot be over-estimated. The local initiatives to promote quality labels and innovative products for cheeses, meat and fibres could help goats in keeping a role for sustainable development in an eco-friendly environment all over the world. However, the future of the goat industry as a significant economic activity will also be very dependent on the standards of living in the countries where there is a market for the goat products.

Situation, changes and future of goat industry around the world

Goats are considered to be very important for their contribution to the development of rural zones and people. In a fast changing world, this statement has to be confirmed by considering how the organisation of the goat industry can support sustainable development. The situation of each goat production (milk, meat, fibre and skin) was analysed and compared. Each economic factor and its role in the processes of production, transformation, and marketing were analysed by taking into account the present situation and prospects of markets. From this approach, the organisation of a goat milk sector appears to be very dependent on the existing competitive situation with the cow milk sector, since goat milk is generally still not widely sold but consumed locally. The sensory specificity of goat milk for cheese making has very different impacts depending on the taste of consumers in different countries. The dietary properties of goat milk are still discussed, and seem to have a positive effect on increasing the global demand. The fibre sectors are clearly global markets world-wide and a few buyers control a speculative and cyclic market, where many sellers are often disorganised small-scale farmers. Most of goat meat is consumed directly by the producer or locally, and only about 0.5% of the goat meat is officially traded internationally. World trade has risen quickly over the past decade with fast growing prices. The Mediterranean area is the main goat milk and goat cheese producer (18%) outside of India (22%), which has the greatest goat milk volume of all countries, but keeps mainly only dual purpose goats (meat and milk). Australia is the most important (60%) world goat meat exporting country, South Africa the major (50%) Mohair producer, and China the principal (65%) cashmere exporter. As the goat industry becomes step by step a truly significant economical sector, its real advantages cannot be over-estimated. The local initiatives to promote quality labels and innovative products for cheeses, meat and fibres could help goats in keeping a role for sustainable development in an eco-friendly environment all over the world. However, the future of the goat industry as a significant economic activity will also be very dependent on the standards of living in the countries where there is a market for the goat products.